Kolkata: Both Kolkata and Bidhannagar police visited schools and apartment complexes on a mission to spread awareness on the adverse impact of bursting illegal firecrackers and why revellers should choose green fireworks.The Supreme Court has specified that only green firecrackers are allowed to be burst and that, too, between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali-Kali Puja. Green firecrackers use alternative chemicals, such as potassium nitrate and aluminium, instead of pollutants, like magnesium, barium, carbon and arsenic, so that they produce less air pollution and lower noise. Police have also been instructed to seize all firecrackers other than the ones specified by the SC.“We are approaching all, but our focus is on schoolchildren, both at schools and housing complexes, and asking them to use green firecrackers. The young can pass on the information and education to their parents and other family members. For the older residents, we have laid out the dos and don’ts clearly. We have told them fireworks cannot be burst on terraces,” said a joint CP at Lalbazar. With the state board schools being shut till Bhai Phonta, police visited CBSE and CISCE schools.“However vigilant we are, there will be some pilferage and smuggling of illegal firecrackers into the city, given the proximity to two fireworks manufacturing hubs in South 24 Parganas. So rather than merely enforcing something, we have launched a campaign, under which every member of society and youngster can become a partner. If there is less demand for illegal fireworks, there will be less supply,” added the officer.But, some children and their parents pointed out that, the usual buzz of activities around Diwali and awareness programmes at their schools were absent this time. “We have skits, processions and slogan contests to spread awareness about the ills of bursting polluting firecrackers. Those were not held at our school this time,” rued Ayan Majumdar, a Gariahat boy studying in class 7. But he pointed out that a presentation at his school highlighted the how pets and strays suffered amid the noise and pollution of fireworks.Authorities of several schools in Kolkata and New Town said they hoped their students would act as “responsible young citizens” on Kali Puja. “Direct messages from police do make a difference among children,” said the principal of a reputable school at Joka.
